Coworking spaces have been around for more than a decade, but they’re still the new kid on the block. And many entrepreneurs want to know the benefits of coworking spaces. Some coworking spaces have thousands of members; others have just a few dozen. They can be found in city centers, suburbs, and even rural areas. The coworking movement is growing steadily and it’s gaining popularity among freelancers and small businesses alike — so much so that there are now more coworking spaces than ever before. But with this popularity comes a lot of competition: what makes one space better than another? And what should you look for in an ideal coworking environment? Take a closer look at some essential aspects of finding your perfect workspace.
Ask yourself why you want to work in a coworking space
When you’re considering the best coworking space for you, it’s important to ask yourself why you want to work there. The reasons may be as diverse as your coworkers. If saving money is at the top of your list, then a community desk at an office supply store might be a great fit. For others, amenities like printers and coffee make a big difference in their decision-making process.
Know the difference between professional and social spaces
Coworking spaces come in two main flavors: professional and social. The difference between the two is fairly straightforward: professional coworking spaces are for people who work independently, while social coworking spaces are for people who work together.
Professional coworking spaces offer more privacy, as they’re often smaller and the focus is on providing a quiet space to hone in on your work without distractions (like a lot of people). These places also tend to be more expensive than their social counterparts.
Social coworking spaces have open layouts so that you can easily talk with other members of the community while you’re working, or even just pass by one another in the hallways outside your office doors. Membership fees tend to be cheaper in these types of places too because membership isn’t based on how much space you need. Instead, it’s based on how many total hours per month you want access to all facilities combined, which includes extra payment to rent out conference rooms for meetings.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
Coworking spaces are not a panacea for all your business problems. If you’re still struggling with challenges in your business that are unrelated to a physical location, then coworking isn’t going to fix them for you. If you’re so focused on finding the perfect space that you neglect other areas of your business, such as networking and marketing, then working from home may be more beneficial in the long run.
Remember the primary purpose of coworking
You don’t have to look too far to find the perfect coworking space for you. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or an entrepreneur, there’s a coworking option out there that will help you reach your goals faster and more efficiently than ever before.
When considering whether or not to sign up at a coworking space, remember the primary purpose of coworking: collaboration. Coworking spaces are designed with this in mind and provide an environment where members can work together as equals and learn from one another’s experiences and expertise. This type of networking isn’t just limited to coworkers; many co-working spaces also organize events specifically designed for networking purposes.
Embrace flexible options
Flexibility is also a key advantage of coworking, and if you’re someone who values this, it’s important to find a space that offers it. Many coworking spaces offer day passes or memberships that can be used on their own or with coworkers. This means that you could use your coworking membership to work from there one day and then bring in a client for lunch the next. Some spaces even offer different types of desks, ranging from private offices to open desk plans intended for individual work but with plenty of friendly conversation nearby.
Conclusion
Coworking is a great way to be a part of a community and get your work done. It’s also a great way to keep costs down, especially when you’re just starting. If you’re looking for an office space or just want to try out coworking before committing, the tips listed above will help you find the right place.
